Hello all,
After reading and responding on another thread about test stands I did many searches and inquiries to manufacturers about their products and cost. The considerations I was looking for in a test stand was ease of use, length to accommodate all the locomotives and connected sets of them that I have, that it was complete at once without unnecessary extra expense later, stability during operations, not so high off the work bench, and lastly....cost.

I found one that suited me on all those marks. The fellow's name is Nipa Grosse Harmann and you can find his test stands on Ebay under his moniker nipa100eisenbahn. He sells them on average of $70 USD plus postage. The auction heading reads Rollenprüfstand H0 600 mm 5 Rollenpaare AC+ DC+Digital. I contacted Nipa concerning cost to the US and it was 30 Euros with tracking. The cost of the test stand was so good but the cost of the postage threw me. I asked him if there wasn't a less expensive alternative. He replied, as he always answers his emails, that he could accommodate me. He then quoted me a price for a slightly shorter test stand, 8 pairs of rollers, with postage for 80 Euros. I couldn't beat it anywhere I checked. The stand still has an over all length of 560mm as opposed to 600mm. Enough to set my F7 triples, a 3072 double triebwagen with attached wiring, and of course enough rollers for the mighty Big Boy.

The box arrived after a few weeks wait. I hesitated a little when I saw that the light weight carton was torn into on one side but hoped for the best upon opening it. The test stand was well cushioned with newspaper and arrived in excellent condition. Even if it hadn't, I would have to take a share of the blame for requesting a cheaper postage alternative so no worries there.

The test stand is nice. All metal with the exception of the end caps/stands, has Maerklin C track with the end caps thoughtfully attached, able to test AC or DC locomotives, comes with an allen wrench, and with enough length of wire with the plugs already in place. The removable center slider can be affixed to different positions as needed. The workmanship IMO is very well thought out and nicely done.

I've tested it on a 3037 that I had handy. With the locomotive mounted on the stand I was able to access the screws in order to adjust the roller blocks where needed. After securing the blocks I ran the locomotive and there were no shakes or wobble. The only exception being from the 60 year old locomotive with minimum maintenance all it's life.

Over all, I would recommend this gentleman and his product. You can go to my album for more photos.
Roman

https://www.marklin-user...bum.aspx?u=178&a=235

There are more photos and specific about the RailStand roller test stand










More RailStand detail and photos: http://www.trains.com.tw/railst...stand-en.asp?titleID=971

Edited by user 30 March 2014 21:26:39(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified